Fast and Furious Brazilian-American Actress Jordana Brewster & Latinos in Film React to Paul Walker’s Death
Brazilian-American actress and Paul Walker's "Fast and Furious" co-star Jordana Brewster is devastated to hear the news of her onscreen love interest's sudden death after a Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in crashed into a pole in Valencia, Calif. on Saturday.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, speed was a factor the crash, which left the red Porsche engulfed in flames, killing both Walker, 40, and his friend, Roger Rodas, "a well-respected financial adviser and the CEO of Walker's company Always Evolving (the duo met because of their shared passion for cars)," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Walker and the beautiful Brazilian-American actress, who was born in Panama City, Panama and lived in London, Brazil and then relocated to New York, have spent almost a decade working on the "Fast and Furious" film franchise together.
In the series, Brewster plays Walker's (Brian O'Conner's) love interest Mia Toretto - the onscreen couple married and had a child in the film. At the time of his death, Walker was in the middle of filming "Fast & Furious 7" for a July 2014 release date.
Like many of the "Fast and Furious" co-stars, Brewster used social media to share her feelings about the late actor, following his deadly car accident.
The 33-year-old actress tweeted on Sunday: "Paul was pure light. I cannot believe he is gone."
Walker's Facebook page confirmed the tragic news:
"It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences. - #TeamPW"
Longtime friend Vin Diesel, was shocked and saddened to hear the news of his close friend's passing, The Daily Mail reports.
Diesel, 46, who plays Dominic Toretto in the "Fast and Furious" films, posted an image of the pair on Instagram and wrote: "Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace."
Including Brewster, other Latino celebrities paid tribute to Walker via Twitter:
Jessica Alba, who co-starred with Walker in 2005's "Into the Blue," wrote: '#RIPPaulWalker -he was a lovely person -so sweet and grounded. My heart goes out to his family."
Actor Lazaro "Laz" Alonso who starred in "Avatar" and "Fast & Furious" as Fenix "Rise" Calderon:
"My prayers are with @RealPaulWalker family and friends. Down 2 earth & real as they come #RIP."
Actor/producer Wilmer Valderamma:
"Heartbreaking!! One of the most genuine & humble people I have EVER met in this industry...A TERRIBLE loss, be at peace."
Actress Zoe Zaldana:
"A very sad day indeed. R.I.P. Paul Walker. Our prayers are with you and your family."
Also, Spanish tennis player Fernando Verdasco, 30, paid tribute to Walker.
World number 30 Verdasco, who has won five career singles titles, wrote on Twitter: "RIP Paul Walker. You left us so soon. Rest in peace!"
Walker had other Latina co-stars besides Brewster - "Fast and Furious" co-star Michelle Rodriguez who played Letty Ortiz in "The Fast and the Furious" (2001), and reprised the role with its sequels "Fast & Furious" (2009) and "Fast & Furious 6" (2013). Latina actress Eva Mendes, also co-starred alongside Walker in "2 Fast 2 Furious" in 2003.
Universal Pictures, the studio behind his popular film franchise, "Fast and Furious," also released a statement: "All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the 'Fast and Furious' films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."
Walker's co-stars are reportedly 'too distraught' to return to work on the "Fast & Furious 7" this week, but THR reports that "Universal and the team behind 'Fast & Furious 7' are facing a delay in production following the tragic death of actor Paul Walker, but sources say the movie will not be abandoned entirely."